Taunton street preacher being investigated by police hits back

A STREET preacher who admits offending passers-by has hit back by making a complaint against a police officer investigating him.

Michael Overd says the police should protect his right to free speech instead of calling for people to video any confrontations with him in Taunton town centre.

He wants the force to discipline Acting Inspector Neil Kimmins, who has already collected 20 videos submitted by members of the public.

Acting Insp Kimmins says he will collate all the evidence and present it to the Crown Prosecution Service to decide whether to bring any charges.

He made the original appeal after several complainants upset at the way Mr Overd expressed his views on homosexuality and sex outside marriage.

Mr Overd, of Creech St Michael, has praised the police for coming to his assistance when a “mob” of six people surrounded him after he was involved in a confrontation with a woman unhappy about his preaching against homosexuality in Castle Green on Monday.

He said: “People were desperate to stop me preaching and I was accused of hate preaching.

“The police came and calmed things down.”

Mr Overd, who was cleared of harassment following a trial at Taunton Magisrates’ Courts in 2012, said most people approaching him are “aggressive, abusive and angry” and one man nearly pushed him over in High Street recently.

But he added: “It isn’t the public’s job to video me – it’s up to the police if I’m a ‘dangerous preacher breaking the law’.

“I’ve been preaching on the streets of Taunton for six or seven years – if I’m this ‘law-breaking, crazy preacher’, how on earth have I managed to get away with it for so long?

“The Metropolitan Police say they don’t have the resources to go after Islamic hate preachers, yet Avon and Somerset Police have the resources to go after this Christian preacher.”

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He said: “I’m not discouraged because my eyes are fixed on Jesus.”

Police are still appealing for people to send their street preacher video clips to ssntauntontowncentreteam@avonandsomerset.police.uk

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Comments (30)

I myself have no views either way, but after reading the comments from the police in last weeks Gazette an harassment claim at the very least must surely be viable.

I myself have no views either way, but after reading the comments from the police in last weeks Gazette an harassment claim at the very least must surely be viable.RightToAnOpinion

I myself have no views either way, but after reading the comments from the police in last weeks Gazette an harassment claim at the very least must surely be viable.

Score: -7

RightToAnOpinion says...10:30am Thu 26 Jun 14

Please do not judge me as Homophobic as I believe everyone should be entitled to live their life as they see fit, as long as it does not effect others.

Please do not judge me as Homophobic as I believe everyone should be entitled to live their life as they see fit, as long as it does not effect others.RightToAnOpinion

Please do not judge me as Homophobic as I believe everyone should be entitled to live their life as they see fit, as long as it does not effect others.

Score: 8

Mi_Coc says...10:40am Thu 26 Jun 14

Like I said before he has missed the point of the bible which is to not judge others as that is for god. No one is perfect and our laws about expressing views on peoples sexuality are clear if he has breached them he has no problem. The inspector wants people offended to collect evidence that all don't see how that's harassing him, the guy who is alleged to have harassed others!

Like I said before he has missed the point of the bible which is to not judge others as that is for god.
No one is perfect and our laws about expressing views on peoples sexuality are clear if he has breached them he has no problem.
The inspector wants people offended to collect evidence that all don't see how that's harassing him, the guy who is alleged to have harassed others!Mi_Coc

Like I said before he has missed the point of the bible which is to not judge others as that is for god. No one is perfect and our laws about expressing views on peoples sexuality are clear if he has breached them he has no problem. The inspector wants people offended to collect evidence that all don't see how that's harassing him, the guy who is alleged to have harassed others!

Score: -14

Somerset_BTGOG says...11:05am Thu 26 Jun 14

Get him off our streets.

Get him off our streets.Somerset_BTGOG

Get him off our streets.

Score: 1

KevinTurvey says...11:14am Thu 26 Jun 14

This preacher's views are familiar enough, and railing against 1960s liberal legislation is common enough in print. He goes over the line however in even addressing himself to individuals who are no longer breaking the law. He also appears to be mic'ed up; this phenomenon is not conducive to the ambience of a public open space.. then again could such a site as Taunton's Castle Green in its born-again condition be considered to have any ambience at all?

This preacher's views are familiar enough, and railing against 1960s liberal legislation is common enough in print. He goes over the line however in even addressing himself to individuals who are no longer breaking the law. He also appears to be mic'ed up; this phenomenon is not conducive to the ambience of a public open space.. then again could such a site as Taunton's Castle Green in its born-again condition be considered to have any ambience at all?KevinTurvey

This preacher's views are familiar enough, and railing against 1960s liberal legislation is common enough in print. He goes over the line however in even addressing himself to individuals who are no longer breaking the law. He also appears to be mic'ed up; this phenomenon is not conducive to the ambience of a public open space.. then again could such a site as Taunton's Castle Green in its born-again condition be considered to have any ambience at all?

Score: -1

T_12345 says...11:22am Thu 26 Jun 14

Mi_Coc wrote…

Like I said before he has missed the point of the bible which is to not judge others as that is for god. No one is perfect and our laws about expressing views on peoples sexuality are clear if he has breached them he has no problem. The inspector wants people offended to collect evidence that all don't see how that's harassing him, the guy who is alleged to have harassed others!

As i said before, he isn't judging people, he is reading passages from a bible, that's what preachers tend to do.

[quote][p][bold]Mi_Coc[/bold] wrote:
Like I said before he has missed the point of the bible which is to not judge others as that is for god.
No one is perfect and our laws about expressing views on peoples sexuality are clear if he has breached them he has no problem.
The inspector wants people offended to collect evidence that all don't see how that's harassing him, the guy who is alleged to have harassed others![/p][/quote]As i said before, he isn't judging people, he is reading passages from a bible, that's what preachers tend to do.T_12345

Mi_Coc wrote…

Like I said before he has missed the point of the bible which is to not judge others as that is for god. No one is perfect and our laws about expressing views on peoples sexuality are clear if he has breached them he has no problem. The inspector wants people offended to collect evidence that all don't see how that's harassing him, the guy who is alleged to have harassed others!

As i said before, he isn't judging people, he is reading passages from a bible, that's what preachers tend to do.

Score: 5

GreatOdin'sRaven says...11:34am Thu 26 Jun 14

Send him to preach at the idiots injecting themselves with various substances (as seen in another article), also in the Castle Green area. That might actually be worth going into town to watch.

Send him to preach at the idiots injecting themselves with various substances (as seen in another article), also in the Castle Green area. That might actually be worth going into town to watch.GreatOdin'sRaven

Send him to preach at the idiots injecting themselves with various substances (as seen in another article), also in the Castle Green area. That might actually be worth going into town to watch.

Score: 19

topcataj says...1:39pm Thu 26 Jun 14

I guess he thinks it is down to the police to catch people in the act of child abuse as well, rather than victims or people close to the victims going to the police with evidence. Thankfully that isn't the case otherwise a number of pretty nasty people (including some preaching a similar message to this guy) would still be on the streets.

I guess he thinks it is down to the police to catch people in the act of child abuse as well, rather than victims or people close to the victims going to the police with evidence. Thankfully that isn't the case otherwise a number of pretty nasty people (including some preaching a similar message to this guy) would still be on the streets.topcataj

I guess he thinks it is down to the police to catch people in the act of child abuse as well, rather than victims or people close to the victims going to the police with evidence. Thankfully that isn't the case otherwise a number of pretty nasty people (including some preaching a similar message to this guy) would still be on the streets.

Score: 0

beturcovservative says...3:58pm Thu 26 Jun 14

adults with imaginary friends scare me

adults with imaginary friends scare mebeturcovservative

adults with imaginary friends scare me

Score: 9

Ask Sense says...4:06pm Thu 26 Jun 14

another human being embarrassing spirituality! oh well lets remember the YOLO advice from all those who act how they want without regard... Because idiots like this destroy any ideas of conscious thought or decent behaviour!...its funny how those who have so called religion or beliefs in such a way!

another human being embarrassing spirituality! oh well lets remember the YOLO advice from all those who act how they want without regard... Because idiots like this destroy any ideas of conscious thought or decent behaviour!...its funny how those who have so called religion or beliefs in such a way!Ask Sense

another human being embarrassing spirituality! oh well lets remember the YOLO advice from all those who act how they want without regard... Because idiots like this destroy any ideas of conscious thought or decent behaviour!...its funny how those who have so called religion or beliefs in such a way!

Score: -1

Mi_Coc says...4:24pm Thu 26 Jun 14

T_12345 wrote…

Mi_Coc wrote…

Like I said before he has missed the point of the bible which is to not judge others as that is for god. No one is perfect and our laws about expressing views on peoples sexuality are clear if he has breached them he has no problem. The inspector wants people offended to collect evidence that all don't see how that's harassing him, the guy who is alleged to have harassed others!

As i said before, he isn't judging people, he is reading passages from a bible, that's what preachers tend to do.

Religion is the route of all evil. Prof Richard Dawkins. He makes unpleasant remarks about gay and unmarried couples. What they do is none of his business. The police arent victimising the man they are responding to lots and lots of complaints. Taunton police don't have the time to go after this guy just because one or two people have complained. When they get more the 50 complaints as in his case they have respond. All they want is videos of his preaching. If he isnt doing anything illegal why cant people film him (shouldnt stand in a public place if he doesnt want to be filmed). Problem with sheep like this is they give impressionable people silly ideas as with the muslin hate preachers.

[quote][p][bold]T_12345[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Mi_Coc[/bold] wrote:
Like I said before he has missed the point of the bible which is to not judge others as that is for god.
No one is perfect and our laws about expressing views on peoples sexuality are clear if he has breached them he has no problem.
The inspector wants people offended to collect evidence that all don't see how that's harassing him, the guy who is alleged to have harassed others![/p][/quote]As i said before, he isn't judging people, he is reading passages from a bible, that's what preachers tend to do.[/p][/quote]Religion is the route of all evil. Prof Richard Dawkins.
He makes unpleasant remarks about gay and unmarried couples. What they do is none of his business. The police arent victimising the man they are responding to lots and lots of complaints. Taunton police don't have the time to go after this guy just because one or two people have complained. When they get more the 50 complaints as in his case they have respond. All they want is videos of his preaching. If he isnt doing anything illegal why cant people film him (shouldnt stand in a public place if he doesnt want to be filmed).
Problem with sheep like this is they give impressionable people silly ideas as with the muslin hate preachers.Mi_Coc

T_12345 wrote…

Mi_Coc wrote…

Like I said before he has missed the point of the bible which is to not judge others as that is for god. No one is perfect and our laws about expressing views on peoples sexuality are clear if he has breached them he has no problem. The inspector wants people offended to collect evidence that all don't see how that's harassing him, the guy who is alleged to have harassed others!

As i said before, he isn't judging people, he is reading passages from a bible, that's what preachers tend to do.

Religion is the route of all evil. Prof Richard Dawkins. He makes unpleasant remarks about gay and unmarried couples. What they do is none of his business. The police arent victimising the man they are responding to lots and lots of complaints. Taunton police don't have the time to go after this guy just because one or two people have complained. When they get more the 50 complaints as in his case they have respond. All they want is videos of his preaching. If he isnt doing anything illegal why cant people film him (shouldnt stand in a public place if he doesnt want to be filmed). Problem with sheep like this is they give impressionable people silly ideas as with the muslin hate preachers.

Score: -5

T_12345 says...5:42pm Thu 26 Jun 14

Richard Dawkins....lol oh i mean professor..must have all the answers then :) Fair enough if he is literally PERSONALLY going up to people and insulting them, but every time i have walked past him which is quite a lot of times he has been doing what normal preachers do, and if he says something that i don't like i let it slide, people are over reacting if you don't like it don't listen to it and don't react to it walk on by, he has a right to do what he is doing if he is just simply preaching. People can be complete over reactive idiots and like causing arguments over petty little things especially if they are have a different religion to what is being preached etc. Things pop up in life every day that we may not like but we don't go ruining peoples lives over someone that is preaching what he thinks is right and going to the police about petty little things. The only thing i have heard him say is something like man shalt not lie with man, as with womankind: it is abomination which i see no harm in.

Richard Dawkins....lol oh i mean professor..must have all the answers then :)
Fair enough if he is literally PERSONALLY going up to people and insulting them, but every time i have walked past him which is quite a lot of times he has been doing what normal preachers do, and if he says something that i don't like i let it slide, people are over reacting if you don't like it don't listen to it and don't react to it walk on by, he has a right to do what he is doing if he is just simply preaching. People can be complete over reactive idiots and like causing arguments over petty little things especially if they are have a different religion to what is being preached etc. Things pop up in life every day that we may not like but we don't go ruining peoples lives over someone that is preaching what he thinks is right and going to the police about petty little things. The only thing i have heard him say is something like man shalt not lie with man, as with womankind: it is abomination which i see no harm in.T_12345

Richard Dawkins....lol oh i mean professor..must have all the answers then :) Fair enough if he is literally PERSONALLY going up to people and insulting them, but every time i have walked past him which is quite a lot of times he has been doing what normal preachers do, and if he says something that i don't like i let it slide, people are over reacting if you don't like it don't listen to it and don't react to it walk on by, he has a right to do what he is doing if he is just simply preaching. People can be complete over reactive idiots and like causing arguments over petty little things especially if they are have a different religion to what is being preached etc. Things pop up in life every day that we may not like but we don't go ruining peoples lives over someone that is preaching what he thinks is right and going to the police about petty little things. The only thing i have heard him say is something like man shalt not lie with man, as with womankind: it is abomination which i see no harm in.

Score: 0

GreatOdin'sRaven says...8:01pm Thu 26 Jun 14

"muslin hate preachers"? What harm can people talking about cotton cloths really do..? Should I be scared? Are other types of material still safe? So many questions!

"muslin hate preachers"? What harm can people talking about cotton cloths really do..? Should I be scared? Are other types of material still safe? So many questions!GreatOdin'sRaven

"muslin hate preachers"? What harm can people talking about cotton cloths really do..? Should I be scared? Are other types of material still safe? So many questions!

Score: 9

somersetvoyager says...10:24pm Thu 26 Jun 14

This man is thoroughly objectionable. He is smug, self-righteous, and unappealing. He actually is driving customers away from businesses like the cafe in the High Street where people can no longer sit outside. He is among those voices that are slowly but surely turning reasonable people away from religion.

This man is thoroughly objectionable. He is smug, self-righteous, and unappealing. He actually is driving customers away from businesses like the cafe in the High Street where people can no longer sit outside. He is among those voices that are slowly but surely turning reasonable people away from religion.somersetvoyager

This man is thoroughly objectionable. He is smug, self-righteous, and unappealing. He actually is driving customers away from businesses like the cafe in the High Street where people can no longer sit outside. He is among those voices that are slowly but surely turning reasonable people away from religion.

Score: 8

Old Phucker says...9:09am Fri 27 Jun 14

Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.

Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.Old Phucker

Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.

Score: 3

T_12345 says...9:44am Fri 27 Jun 14

somersetvoyager wrote…

This man is thoroughly objectionable. He is smug, self-righteous, and unappealing. He actually is driving customers away from businesses like the cafe in the High Street where people can no longer sit outside. He is among those voices that are slowly but surely turning reasonable people away from religion.

Why because people are so wrapped up in their own ignorance of life like sipping on their expensive posh teas outside miles hoping people look at them because they are drinking posh tea. Too busy shopping for their nice piece of clothing they have always wanted which was made by some poor slave in another country crying for help on tags of clothes from primark, while blatantly ignoring the main issues and filth of life around them? If it is turning people against religion then those people are not truly religious are they. Preachers have been around for god knows how many centuries and it will never change. It is almost as if people are jealous of him because he has such strong, clean grounded views on life whereas most people lifes these days are just a mess because they are trapped and don't know where to turn so they pick up a bottle of drink or a packet of legal highs and hope that it will solve there problems, or they go shopping to make themselves feel happy for a little while until the original problem slowly creeps around the corner again to bite you. People should stop with all of this nonsense and leave the man alone, if they want to do something why don't they pick on people actually causing crime, why don't they gay people keep themselves to themselves instead of causing trouble and drawing attention to themselves. There is alot more worse things going on in the world, at least he isn't preaching hate about our country hey. At least he isn't preaching to go blow yourself up along with a whole bunch of innocent people hey. At least he isnt preaching wars. This country has just turned in to too much of a nanny state.

[quote][p][bold]somersetvoyager[/bold] wrote:
This man is thoroughly objectionable. He is smug, self-righteous, and unappealing. He actually is driving customers away from businesses like the cafe in the High Street where people can no longer sit outside. He is among those voices that are slowly but surely turning reasonable people away from religion.[/p][/quote]Why because people are so wrapped up in their own ignorance of life like sipping on their expensive posh teas outside miles hoping people look at them because they are drinking posh tea. Too busy shopping for their nice piece of clothing they have always wanted which was made by some poor slave in another country crying for help on tags of clothes from primark, while blatantly ignoring the main issues and filth of life around them? If it is turning people against religion then those people are not truly religious are they. Preachers have been around for god knows how many centuries and it will never change. It is almost as if people are jealous of him because he has such strong, clean grounded views on life whereas most people lifes these days are just a mess because they are trapped and don't know where to turn so they pick up a bottle of drink or a packet of legal highs and hope that it will solve there problems, or they go shopping to make themselves feel happy for a little while until the original problem slowly creeps around the corner again to bite you. People should stop with all of this nonsense and leave the man alone, if they want to do something why don't they pick on people actually causing crime, why don't they gay people keep themselves to themselves instead of causing trouble and drawing attention to themselves. There is alot more worse things going on in the world, at least he isn't preaching hate about our country hey. At least he isn't preaching to go blow yourself up along with a whole bunch of innocent people hey. At least he isnt preaching wars. This country has just turned in to too much of a nanny state.T_12345

somersetvoyager wrote…

This man is thoroughly objectionable. He is smug, self-righteous, and unappealing. He actually is driving customers away from businesses like the cafe in the High Street where people can no longer sit outside. He is among those voices that are slowly but surely turning reasonable people away from religion.

Why because people are so wrapped up in their own ignorance of life like sipping on their expensive posh teas outside miles hoping people look at them because they are drinking posh tea. Too busy shopping for their nice piece of clothing they have always wanted which was made by some poor slave in another country crying for help on tags of clothes from primark, while blatantly ignoring the main issues and filth of life around them? If it is turning people against religion then those people are not truly religious are they. Preachers have been around for god knows how many centuries and it will never change. It is almost as if people are jealous of him because he has such strong, clean grounded views on life whereas most people lifes these days are just a mess because they are trapped and don't know where to turn so they pick up a bottle of drink or a packet of legal highs and hope that it will solve there problems, or they go shopping to make themselves feel happy for a little while until the original problem slowly creeps around the corner again to bite you. People should stop with all of this nonsense and leave the man alone, if they want to do something why don't they pick on people actually causing crime, why don't they gay people keep themselves to themselves instead of causing trouble and drawing attention to themselves. There is alot more worse things going on in the world, at least he isn't preaching hate about our country hey. At least he isn't preaching to go blow yourself up along with a whole bunch of innocent people hey. At least he isnt preaching wars. This country has just turned in to too much of a nanny state.

Score: -7

madcow says...10:50am Fri 27 Jun 14

Old Phucker wrote…

Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.

This man doesn't work, the lord has told him not too. he has 24 hrs a day, 7 days a wk spare.I work long shifts on low pay to keep a roof over mine and my children's head.

[quote][p][bold]Old Phucker[/bold] wrote:
Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.[/p][/quote]This man doesn't work, the lord has told him not too. he has 24 hrs a day, 7 days a wk spare.I work long shifts on low pay to keep a roof over mine and my children's head.madcow

Old Phucker wrote…

Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.

This man doesn't work, the lord has told him not too. he has 24 hrs a day, 7 days a wk spare.I work long shifts on low pay to keep a roof over mine and my children's head.

Score: 3

KevinTurvey says...11:20am Fri 27 Jun 14

Old Testament law and prophecy forbids licencious sexual behaviour in the context of idolatrous worship. Everytime the chosen people backslided, the Lord punished them with invasion and slavery at the hands of the very idolators they mimicked. Sin was not seen as an individual issue, but everyone suffered for the failings of a section of the population. Even the Bible has loopholes.

Old Testament law and prophecy forbids licencious sexual behaviour in the context of idolatrous worship. Everytime the chosen people backslided, the Lord punished them with invasion and slavery at the hands of the very idolators they mimicked. Sin was not seen as an individual issue, but everyone suffered for the failings of a section of the population.
Even the Bible has loopholes.KevinTurvey

Old Testament law and prophecy forbids licencious sexual behaviour in the context of idolatrous worship. Everytime the chosen people backslided, the Lord punished them with invasion and slavery at the hands of the very idolators they mimicked. Sin was not seen as an individual issue, but everyone suffered for the failings of a section of the population. Even the Bible has loopholes.

Score: -3

T_12345 says...12:03pm Fri 27 Jun 14

madcow wrote…

Old Phucker wrote…

Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.

This man doesn't work, the lord has told him not too. he has 24 hrs a day, 7 days a wk spare.I work long shifts on low pay to keep a roof over mine and my children's head.

Sorry but how do you know he doesn't work? just because you see him standing around preaching it doesn't mean he doesn't work. He may even work from home, be self employed, you don't know his personal circumstances...

[quote][p][bold]madcow[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Old Phucker[/bold] wrote:
Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.[/p][/quote]This man doesn't work, the lord has told him not too. he has 24 hrs a day, 7 days a wk spare.I work long shifts on low pay to keep a roof over mine and my children's head.[/p][/quote]Sorry but how do you know he doesn't work? just because you see him standing around preaching it doesn't mean he doesn't work. He may even work from home, be self employed, you don't know his personal circumstances...T_12345

madcow wrote…

Old Phucker wrote…

Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.

This man doesn't work, the lord has told him not too. he has 24 hrs a day, 7 days a wk spare.I work long shifts on low pay to keep a roof over mine and my children's head.

Sorry but how do you know he doesn't work? just because you see him standing around preaching it doesn't mean he doesn't work. He may even work from home, be self employed, you don't know his personal circumstances...

Score: 0

Mi_Coc says...1:15pm Fri 27 Jun 14

T_12345 wrote…

somersetvoyager wrote…

This man is thoroughly objectionable. He is smug, self-righteous, and unappealing. He actually is driving customers away from businesses like the cafe in the High Street where people can no longer sit outside. He is among those voices that are slowly but surely turning reasonable people away from religion.

Why because people are so wrapped up in their own ignorance of life like sipping on their expensive posh teas outside miles hoping people look at them because they are drinking posh tea. Too busy shopping for their nice piece of clothing they have always wanted which was made by some poor slave in another country crying for help on tags of clothes from primark, while blatantly ignoring the main issues and filth of life around them? If it is turning people against religion then those people are not truly religious are they. Preachers have been around for god knows how many centuries and it will never change. It is almost as if people are jealous of him because he has such strong, clean grounded views on life whereas most people lifes these days are just a mess because they are trapped and don't know where to turn so they pick up a bottle of drink or a packet of legal highs and hope that it will solve there problems, or they go shopping to make themselves feel happy for a little while until the original problem slowly creeps around the corner again to bite you. People should stop with all of this nonsense and leave the man alone, if they want to do something why don't they pick on people actually causing crime, why don't they gay people keep themselves to themselves instead of causing trouble and drawing attention to themselves. There is alot more worse things going on in the world, at least he isn't preaching hate about our country hey. At least he isn't preaching to go blow yourself up along with a whole bunch of innocent people hey. At least he isnt preaching wars. This country has just turned in to too much of a nanny state.

He is preaching hate of gay couples and umarried ones. Ok he is not terrorism threat but who is he to judge the aforementioned groups of people and make them feel uncomfortable. He has probably sinned in his life so why should he judge others!

[quote][p][bold]T_12345[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]somersetvoyager[/bold] wrote:
This man is thoroughly objectionable. He is smug, self-righteous, and unappealing. He actually is driving customers away from businesses like the cafe in the High Street where people can no longer sit outside. He is among those voices that are slowly but surely turning reasonable people away from religion.[/p][/quote]Why because people are so wrapped up in their own ignorance of life like sipping on their expensive posh teas outside miles hoping people look at them because they are drinking posh tea. Too busy shopping for their nice piece of clothing they have always wanted which was made by some poor slave in another country crying for help on tags of clothes from primark, while blatantly ignoring the main issues and filth of life around them? If it is turning people against religion then those people are not truly religious are they. Preachers have been around for god knows how many centuries and it will never change. It is almost as if people are jealous of him because he has such strong, clean grounded views on life whereas most people lifes these days are just a mess because they are trapped and don't know where to turn so they pick up a bottle of drink or a packet of legal highs and hope that it will solve there problems, or they go shopping to make themselves feel happy for a little while until the original problem slowly creeps around the corner again to bite you. People should stop with all of this nonsense and leave the man alone, if they want to do something why don't they pick on people actually causing crime, why don't they gay people keep themselves to themselves instead of causing trouble and drawing attention to themselves. There is alot more worse things going on in the world, at least he isn't preaching hate about our country hey. At least he isn't preaching to go blow yourself up along with a whole bunch of innocent people hey. At least he isnt preaching wars. This country has just turned in to too much of a nanny state.[/p][/quote]He is preaching hate of gay couples and umarried ones.
Ok he is not terrorism threat but who is he to judge the aforementioned groups of people and make them feel uncomfortable.
He has probably sinned in his life so why should he judge others!Mi_Coc

T_12345 wrote…

somersetvoyager wrote…

This man is thoroughly objectionable. He is smug, self-righteous, and unappealing. He actually is driving customers away from businesses like the cafe in the High Street where people can no longer sit outside. He is among those voices that are slowly but surely turning reasonable people away from religion.

Why because people are so wrapped up in their own ignorance of life like sipping on their expensive posh teas outside miles hoping people look at them because they are drinking posh tea. Too busy shopping for their nice piece of clothing they have always wanted which was made by some poor slave in another country crying for help on tags of clothes from primark, while blatantly ignoring the main issues and filth of life around them? If it is turning people against religion then those people are not truly religious are they. Preachers have been around for god knows how many centuries and it will never change. It is almost as if people are jealous of him because he has such strong, clean grounded views on life whereas most people lifes these days are just a mess because they are trapped and don't know where to turn so they pick up a bottle of drink or a packet of legal highs and hope that it will solve there problems, or they go shopping to make themselves feel happy for a little while until the original problem slowly creeps around the corner again to bite you. People should stop with all of this nonsense and leave the man alone, if they want to do something why don't they pick on people actually causing crime, why don't they gay people keep themselves to themselves instead of causing trouble and drawing attention to themselves. There is alot more worse things going on in the world, at least he isn't preaching hate about our country hey. At least he isn't preaching to go blow yourself up along with a whole bunch of innocent people hey. At least he isnt preaching wars. This country has just turned in to too much of a nanny state.

He is preaching hate of gay couples and umarried ones. Ok he is not terrorism threat but who is he to judge the aforementioned groups of people and make them feel uncomfortable. He has probably sinned in his life so why should he judge others!

Score: -3

T_12345 says...2:18pm Fri 27 Jun 14

Mi_Coc wrote…

T_12345 wrote…

somersetvoyager wrote…

This man is thoroughly objectionable. He is smug, self-righteous, and unappealing. He actually is driving customers away from businesses like the cafe in the High Street where people can no longer sit outside. He is among those voices that are slowly but surely turning reasonable people away from religion.

Why because people are so wrapped up in their own ignorance of life like sipping on their expensive posh teas outside miles hoping people look at them because they are drinking posh tea. Too busy shopping for their nice piece of clothing they have always wanted which was made by some poor slave in another country crying for help on tags of clothes from primark, while blatantly ignoring the main issues and filth of life around them? If it is turning people against religion then those people are not truly religious are they. Preachers have been around for god knows how many centuries and it will never change. It is almost as if people are jealous of him because he has such strong, clean grounded views on life whereas most people lifes these days are just a mess because they are trapped and don't know where to turn so they pick up a bottle of drink or a packet of legal highs and hope that it will solve there problems, or they go shopping to make themselves feel happy for a little while until the original problem slowly creeps around the corner again to bite you. People should stop with all of this nonsense and leave the man alone, if they want to do something why don't they pick on people actually causing crime, why don't they gay people keep themselves to themselves instead of causing trouble and drawing attention to themselves. There is alot more worse things going on in the world, at least he isn't preaching hate about our country hey. At least he isn't preaching to go blow yourself up along with a whole bunch of innocent people hey. At least he isnt preaching wars. This country has just turned in to too much of a nanny state.

He is preaching hate of gay couples and umarried ones. Ok he is not terrorism threat but who is he to judge the aforementioned groups of people and make them feel uncomfortable. He has probably sinned in his life so why should he judge others!

lol when will you learn the difference between judging and preaching. I am no longer going to continue...

[quote][p][bold]Mi_Coc[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]T_12345[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]somersetvoyager[/bold] wrote:
This man is thoroughly objectionable. He is smug, self-righteous, and unappealing. He actually is driving customers away from businesses like the cafe in the High Street where people can no longer sit outside. He is among those voices that are slowly but surely turning reasonable people away from religion.[/p][/quote]Why because people are so wrapped up in their own ignorance of life like sipping on their expensive posh teas outside miles hoping people look at them because they are drinking posh tea. Too busy shopping for their nice piece of clothing they have always wanted which was made by some poor slave in another country crying for help on tags of clothes from primark, while blatantly ignoring the main issues and filth of life around them? If it is turning people against religion then those people are not truly religious are they. Preachers have been around for god knows how many centuries and it will never change. It is almost as if people are jealous of him because he has such strong, clean grounded views on life whereas most people lifes these days are just a mess because they are trapped and don't know where to turn so they pick up a bottle of drink or a packet of legal highs and hope that it will solve there problems, or they go shopping to make themselves feel happy for a little while until the original problem slowly creeps around the corner again to bite you. People should stop with all of this nonsense and leave the man alone, if they want to do something why don't they pick on people actually causing crime, why don't they gay people keep themselves to themselves instead of causing trouble and drawing attention to themselves. There is alot more worse things going on in the world, at least he isn't preaching hate about our country hey. At least he isn't preaching to go blow yourself up along with a whole bunch of innocent people hey. At least he isnt preaching wars. This country has just turned in to too much of a nanny state.[/p][/quote]He is preaching hate of gay couples and umarried ones.
Ok he is not terrorism threat but who is he to judge the aforementioned groups of people and make them feel uncomfortable.
He has probably sinned in his life so why should he judge others![/p][/quote]lol when will you learn the difference between judging and preaching. I am no longer going to continue...T_12345

Mi_Coc wrote…

T_12345 wrote…

somersetvoyager wrote…

This man is thoroughly objectionable. He is smug, self-righteous, and unappealing. He actually is driving customers away from businesses like the cafe in the High Street where people can no longer sit outside. He is among those voices that are slowly but surely turning reasonable people away from religion.

Why because people are so wrapped up in their own ignorance of life like sipping on their expensive posh teas outside miles hoping people look at them because they are drinking posh tea. Too busy shopping for their nice piece of clothing they have always wanted which was made by some poor slave in another country crying for help on tags of clothes from primark, while blatantly ignoring the main issues and filth of life around them? If it is turning people against religion then those people are not truly religious are they. Preachers have been around for god knows how many centuries and it will never change. It is almost as if people are jealous of him because he has such strong, clean grounded views on life whereas most people lifes these days are just a mess because they are trapped and don't know where to turn so they pick up a bottle of drink or a packet of legal highs and hope that it will solve there problems, or they go shopping to make themselves feel happy for a little while until the original problem slowly creeps around the corner again to bite you. People should stop with all of this nonsense and leave the man alone, if they want to do something why don't they pick on people actually causing crime, why don't they gay people keep themselves to themselves instead of causing trouble and drawing attention to themselves. There is alot more worse things going on in the world, at least he isn't preaching hate about our country hey. At least he isn't preaching to go blow yourself up along with a whole bunch of innocent people hey. At least he isnt preaching wars. This country has just turned in to too much of a nanny state.

He is preaching hate of gay couples and umarried ones. Ok he is not terrorism threat but who is he to judge the aforementioned groups of people and make them feel uncomfortable. He has probably sinned in his life so why should he judge others!

lol when will you learn the difference between judging and preaching. I am no longer going to continue...

Score: -1

RosieSparkle says...8:28pm Fri 27 Jun 14

1 Corinthians 13:1 "I may speak in the tongues of men, or even angels, but if I do not have love then I am only a clanging bell or a crashing symbol" I think this man, even if his Christian beliefs are well meaning and genuine, needs to learn that we must earn the right to be heard. There is nothing loving about standing in a street shouting to people that they are going to hell. One thing that has always encouraged me about the comments on this story is that most of the good people of Taunton have enough brains to realise this man does not represent Christians in the town. As a Christian (and by that I mean an active believer in Jesus and member of a local church) I find his behaviour quite distressing.

1 Corinthians 13:1 "I may speak in the tongues of men, or even angels, but if I do not have love then I am only a clanging bell or a crashing symbol"
I think this man, even if his Christian beliefs are well meaning and genuine, needs to learn that we must earn the right to be heard. There is nothing loving about standing in a street shouting to people that they are going to hell.
One thing that has always encouraged me about the comments on this story is that most of the good people of Taunton have enough brains to realise this man does not represent Christians in the town. As a Christian (and by that I mean an active believer in Jesus and member of a local church) I find his behaviour quite distressing.RosieSparkle

1 Corinthians 13:1 "I may speak in the tongues of men, or even angels, but if I do not have love then I am only a clanging bell or a crashing symbol" I think this man, even if his Christian beliefs are well meaning and genuine, needs to learn that we must earn the right to be heard. There is nothing loving about standing in a street shouting to people that they are going to hell. One thing that has always encouraged me about the comments on this story is that most of the good people of Taunton have enough brains to realise this man does not represent Christians in the town. As a Christian (and by that I mean an active believer in Jesus and member of a local church) I find his behaviour quite distressing.

Score: 6

KevinTurvey says...8:38pm Fri 27 Jun 14

Be kind to him; Share your sandwich with him; Offer him a seat; Give some style advice.

Be kind to him; Share your sandwich with him; Offer him a seat; Give some style advice.KevinTurvey

Be kind to him; Share your sandwich with him; Offer him a seat; Give some style advice.

Score: 2

madcow says...10:50pm Fri 27 Jun 14

T_12345 wrote…

madcow wrote…

Old Phucker wrote…

Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.

This man doesn't work, the lord has told him not too. he has 24 hrs a day, 7 days a wk spare.I work long shifts on low pay to keep a roof over mine and my children's head.

Sorry but how do you know he doesn't work? just because you see him standing around preaching it doesn't mean he doesn't work. He may even work from home, be self employed, you don't know his personal circumstances...

Actually i do know his personal circumstances. he doesn't work from home, he isn't self employed. i wouldn't have put it otherwise. he is deeply offensive to atheists.you would not believe what he says when you mention you are an atheist, if you dont believe me, go and question him (let me know when tho)

[quote][p][bold]T_12345[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]madcow[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Old Phucker[/bold] wrote:
Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.[/p][/quote]This man doesn't work, the lord has told him not too. he has 24 hrs a day, 7 days a wk spare.I work long shifts on low pay to keep a roof over mine and my children's head.[/p][/quote]Sorry but how do you know he doesn't work? just because you see him standing around preaching it doesn't mean he doesn't work. He may even work from home, be self employed, you don't know his personal circumstances...[/p][/quote]Actually i do know his personal circumstances. he doesn't work from home, he isn't self employed. i wouldn't have put it otherwise. he is deeply offensive to atheists.you would not believe what he says when you mention you are an atheist, if you dont believe me, go and question him (let me know when tho)madcow

T_12345 wrote…

madcow wrote…

Old Phucker wrote…

Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.

This man doesn't work, the lord has told him not too. he has 24 hrs a day, 7 days a wk spare.I work long shifts on low pay to keep a roof over mine and my children's head.

Sorry but how do you know he doesn't work? just because you see him standing around preaching it doesn't mean he doesn't work. He may even work from home, be self employed, you don't know his personal circumstances...

Actually i do know his personal circumstances. he doesn't work from home, he isn't self employed. i wouldn't have put it otherwise. he is deeply offensive to atheists.you would not believe what he says when you mention you are an atheist, if you dont believe me, go and question him (let me know when tho)

Score: 4

Mi_Coc says...11:34pm Fri 27 Jun 14

The devil makes work for idol hands!

The devil makes work for idol hands!Mi_Coc

The devil makes work for idol hands!

Score: -3

Thurza says...4:13pm Sat 28 Jun 14

I have my own views and beliefs but I do not find it necessary to stand in the street to try and enforce them on others, I find it annoying and offensive, if I come to Taunton I avoid the High street area, a lot of my friends do as well. I dread to think what impact this is having on business. As for converting me to Christianity, it would have the reverse affect.

I have my own views and beliefs but I do not find it necessary to stand in the street to try and enforce them on others, I find it annoying and offensive, if I come to Taunton I avoid the High street area, a lot of my friends do as well. I dread to think what impact this is having on business. As for converting me to Christianity, it would have the reverse affect.Thurza

I have my own views and beliefs but I do not find it necessary to stand in the street to try and enforce them on others, I find it annoying and offensive, if I come to Taunton I avoid the High street area, a lot of my friends do as well. I dread to think what impact this is having on business. As for converting me to Christianity, it would have the reverse affect.

Score: 5

T_12345 says...11:29am Sun 29 Jun 14

madcow wrote…

T_12345 wrote…

madcow wrote…

Old Phucker wrote…

Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.

This man doesn't work, the lord has told him not too. he has 24 hrs a day, 7 days a wk spare.I work long shifts on low pay to keep a roof over mine and my children's head.

Sorry but how do you know he doesn't work? just because you see him standing around preaching it doesn't mean he doesn't work. He may even work from home, be self employed, you don't know his personal circumstances...

Actually i do know his personal circumstances. he doesn't work from home, he isn't self employed. i wouldn't have put it otherwise. he is deeply offensive to atheists.you would not believe what he says when you mention you are an atheist, if you dont believe me, go and question him (let me know when tho)

What are you a relative or close friend or something? if so then you should not be talking bad about him or if not are you just some nosy person that shouldn't be poking there head in other peoples business.

[quote][p][bold]madcow[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]T_12345[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]madcow[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Old Phucker[/bold] wrote:
Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.[/p][/quote]This man doesn't work, the lord has told him not too. he has 24 hrs a day, 7 days a wk spare.I work long shifts on low pay to keep a roof over mine and my children's head.[/p][/quote]Sorry but how do you know he doesn't work? just because you see him standing around preaching it doesn't mean he doesn't work. He may even work from home, be self employed, you don't know his personal circumstances...[/p][/quote]Actually i do know his personal circumstances. he doesn't work from home, he isn't self employed. i wouldn't have put it otherwise. he is deeply offensive to atheists.you would not believe what he says when you mention you are an atheist, if you dont believe me, go and question him (let me know when tho)[/p][/quote]What are you a relative or close friend or something? if so then you should not be talking bad about him or if not are you just some nosy person that shouldn't be poking there head in other peoples business.T_12345

madcow wrote…

T_12345 wrote…

madcow wrote…

Old Phucker wrote…

Many people have to a do an honest day"s work, and would not have the spare time to preach on a street corner. This religious preaching must also be deeply offensive to atheists. Sometimes old aphorisms are true - the Devil makes work for idle hands.

This man doesn't work, the lord has told him not too. he has 24 hrs a day, 7 days a wk spare.I work long shifts on low pay to keep a roof over mine and my children's head.

Sorry but how do you know he doesn't work? just because you see him standing around preaching it doesn't mean he doesn't work. He may even work from home, be self employed, you don't know his personal circumstances...

Actually i do know his personal circumstances. he doesn't work from home, he isn't self employed. i wouldn't have put it otherwise. he is deeply offensive to atheists.you would not believe what he says when you mention you are an atheist, if you dont believe me, go and question him (let me know when tho)

What are you a relative or close friend or something? if so then you should not be talking bad about him or if not are you just some nosy person that shouldn't be poking there head in other peoples business.

Score: -5

CosApp says...9:38am Mon 30 Jun 14

Mi_Coc wrote…

The devil makes work for idol hands!

Just wondered if using the word 'idol' instead of 'idle' was a deliberate attempt at irony?

[quote][p][bold]Mi_Coc[/bold] wrote:
The devil makes work for idol hands![/p][/quote]Just wondered if using the word 'idol' instead of 'idle' was a deliberate attempt at irony?CosApp

Mi_Coc wrote…

The devil makes work for idol hands!

Just wondered if using the word 'idol' instead of 'idle' was a deliberate attempt at irony?

Score: 5

Dr Dave says...8:29pm Mon 30 Jun 14

Can we not send him to Bridgwater or Tiverton?

Can we not send him to Bridgwater or Tiverton?Dr Dave

Can we not send him to Bridgwater or Tiverton?

Score: 1

madcow says...9:49pm Mon 30 Jun 14

Dr Dave wrote…

Can we not send him to Bridgwater or Tiverton?

I have seen him in bridgwater when i have visited a friend there. I dont think he is very welcome there either. I have some lesbian and gay friends who live there, they would have him for breakfast, so he may know that and be frightened. I am not related to him, nor is he a friend, i just happen to know these things, as does nearly everyone in the village.

[quote][p][bold]Dr Dave[/bold] wrote:
Can we not send him to Bridgwater or Tiverton?[/p][/quote]I have seen him in bridgwater when i have visited a friend there. I dont think he is very welcome there either. I have some lesbian and gay friends who live there, they would have him for breakfast, so he may know that and be frightened. I am not related to him, nor is he a friend, i just happen to know these things, as does nearly everyone in the village.madcow

Dr Dave wrote…

Can we not send him to Bridgwater or Tiverton?

I have seen him in bridgwater when i have visited a friend there. I dont think he is very welcome there either. I have some lesbian and gay friends who live there, they would have him for breakfast, so he may know that and be frightened. I am not related to him, nor is he a friend, i just happen to know these things, as does nearly everyone in the village.

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